Job Summary:
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. .
The Community Access/Transition Nurse serves as the primary communication link between Correctional Health Services and provincial and community programs/services/agencies. In collaboration with other members of the inter-professional treatment team, clients and their families, this position plans for the transition of primary care needs from the Correctional Centre to the community. Works with the interdisciplinary team in the Primary Care setting. Performs job duties through a Trauma Informed Care and Indigenous Cultural lens.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Regularly communicates with other members of the health care interdisciplinary team within the Correctional Centre (e.g., physicians, nurses, mental health and substance use professionals and Correctional and Parole/Probation Officers) regarding the anticipated release of clients and their potential needs for transition support.
2. Works with the inter-professional health care treatment team, BC Corrections staff, clients about to be released from the Correctional Centre and their involved family members to validate demographic data and health information and determine the nature and extent of needs for community health substance use support services.
3. Liaises with key community resources and ensures accurate and complete written information transfer to programs and services across the province of BC.
4. Facilitates linkages to a variety of community programs, e.g. Regional Heath Authority services, community health services, substance use services and other community support services to establish clear transition plans for the client.
5. Engages in on-going team planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, problem solving and conflict resolution.
6. Participates in education, research and special projects by collecting documented client information and statistical data.
7. Works in collaboration with the inter-professional health care and corrections team, attends meetings and in-services, reviews team polices and procedures, and provides input/recommendations to manager and/or other team members regarding efficiencies of processes/procedures in relation to work duties with a view to ensuring streamlined, effective client/family centred practices.
8. Performs regular security functions to maintain the safety and security of clients, staff, families and the general public at all times and takes immediate action to mitigate risks, as well as reporting all real and potential risk issues. Assesses individual client risk factors and incorporates risk mitigation strategies into clients’ care plans in order to optimize safety and security for staff, other inmates and the general public.
9. Maintains accurate computerized and paper records in accordance with established procedures and policies; prepares and maintains statistical information, correspondence, reports and other documentation. Documents client/family perspectives and nursing observations.
10. Uses appropriate supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental standards and safe care requirements. Problem-solves equipment malfunctions with technical staff. Handles, stores, and disposes of workplace hazardous materials and sharps in accordance with established procedures.
11. Maintains an awareness of current Occupation Health & Safety guidelines and standards. Responds to incidents such as injuries to staff or visitors, Code Blue or white emergencies, hazardous and/or minor spills, aggressive and/or disruptive behaviors; completes Incident Report forms.
12. Participates in Centre/team/program activities to enhance and optimize the delivery of care and facilitate evidence-based mental health and substance use nursing practice. Promotes quality management principles. Identifies and reports unsafe practice/professional conduct in accordance with professional standards and organizational policies.
13. Applies an evidence-based approach to clinical problem solving through methods such as reviewing relevant literature/resources and applying approved research findings in clinical practice to support the research culture of the organization. Evaluates results in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
14. Participates on committees as directed to promote optimal support for clients, to facilitate the resolution of issues, and to advocate for the goals and objectives of the Centre/team/program.
15. Demonstrates and/or provides guidance on clinical tasks to designated care givers and guides the clinical experience of assigned students and new staff; provides input to the Manager and/or designated as requested on individual's progress in achieving established standards of nursing care.
16. Maintains standards of nursing practice and develops professional competence through in service, inter-disciplinary case conferences, team meetings and other educational means, as required by the employer.
17. Maintains and updates own clinical knowledge within area of practice, and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established time frames.
18. Arranges and connects clients for follow up with Hepatitis C and HIV continuity of care into the community.
19. Performs medication administration, wound dressing, or other foundational nursing responsibilities as required.
20. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM).
• Two years recent, related experience in acute or primary care or community health nursing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of Occupational First Aid II (OFA II) (or OFA III techniques for positions at Ford Mountain Correctional Centre)
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to develop partnerships and relationships with external partners to ensure continuity of client care.
• Ability to apply and evaluate nursing theory and expertise.
• Knowledge and understanding of services and philosophy of primary health care.
• Ability to know and assess the need for and initiate the use of community services.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally sensitive nursing services to diverse and marginalized populations.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of an interprofessional team.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrated computer skills
• Ability to promote and facilitate change.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to travel to other Correctional Health Clinics as required.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
NBA internal positions are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a period of 72 hours. A selection decision will be made within 7 business days of the posting closing date. If an interview is required, you must be available. Interviews are scheduled for the week of July 21, 2025. The successful applicant has 48 hours to accept or decline the position. If you will not be available to accept or decline the job offer during the selection process, you must assign a designate that the Hiring Leader may contact during your absence. Please ensure you have clearly identified your designate on your resume or cover letter. If you have any questions regarding this new process, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk by email at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca.